Can consciousness actually be in contact with the infinite when such a consciousness always functions with (and “as”) the limited? It cannot. The mind can think or feel that it is in contact with the infinite, but that is mere reaction and not the actuality. It is immensely easy for the mind to delude itself and trick itself into believing and thinking all sorts of things. A consciousness of fragmentation, for example, can convince itself that it is of wholeness and freedom… while, in actuality, that is not the case whatsoever.
Unfortunately, most people are quite content to merely — in very limited ways — accept the traditions and beliefs that were handed down to them. (Curiously, this is even the case with many of those writing on meditation or mindfulness in books, blogs, and such, as if they have transcended something, when fundamentally they have not.) Most people in limitation — which is of confinement — feel “safe.” They do not truly reexamine all that they were taught. They do not fully question what was spoon-fed to them. (Many assume that they have broken from the standard, run-of-the-mill consciousness but, fundamentally, they have not.) They, among countless others, were taught to conform, obey, absorb, accept, and adhere to all of the traditional outlooks and images. Is a consciousness raised in such a way, and programmed in such a way, much more than a bundle of reactions?
One reaction after another, in life, is limitation, is fragmentation. Holistic contact is much more than mere reaction, but far too many people are merely reacting and are not involved with (or “as”) what is beyond. It is beyond what they spoon-fed into you. It is beyond beliefs, conditionings, and symbolic, sequential thoughts and ordinary feelings (which are all limited reactions). Though the physical organism is important to maintain in time, the old “you” cannot merely psychologically exist (for that immensity and nameless eternity to visit).
Tom's Nature-up-close Photography and Mindfulness Blog 
Sounds almost like a zen master teacher a novice to meditate. Let all reactions fall away and sit with emptiness.
It’s got nothing to do with sitting. It takes place all day long each and every day. 🙂
Got to start them small, Tom. You’ll scare them all off. 😃
Let them go then. It’s far too late to start them off again at how they could have been rightly encouraged in kindergarten. 🙂
A beautiful and relaxing early morning read Tom.❤❤❤
Thank you, Mitch! Stay safe and enjoy life’s gifts. 🙂
Some years ago my mother was looking after a woman (i will call her Mrs. P.) who had Alzheimer’s. I often visited her at this lady’s home. I always enjoyed my conversations with Mrs. P.. One day while I was visiting her ind had traveled back in time and she though I was one her (then) neighbors. I went along with whatever she said. I never corrected her. Sometimes the conversations could be quite amusing and I had to be quick on my feet to follow wherever she led me. She was a dear, and very intelligent, woman. sometimes we have to be cognizant of where a person is coming from (their own unique reality). I like to think I made a difference in Mrs. P.’s life by taking her as she was and not trying to change her. I do believe in a higher power and I think we can be led to be better people if we are open to following the quiet nudges. For me, this higher power is not one that controls but guides us, if we are willing to be guided. Too often my ego and stubbornness wins out, but other times I am led to make better choices and to be a kinder person … well, that’s my two cents worth.
I absolutely love this photograph. It is so vibrant and full of life. Thank you for sharing both your talents!
Thanks, Carol! Yes, i too let that innate (spiritual) wisdom of life guide. One has to be a good listener for that to happen, without merely letting past programming (from others) steer one off to goofy oblivion. 🙂
It was so nice that you did not merely try to mold her into what “should be.” You let her flower (for the most part) as she was. That took great kindness and compassion. Yes! 🙂
I am not always a good listener, but when I am I reap many benefits. 🙂 Thanks so much, Tom.
It is good to ABC – always be curious. I think older people, myself included, must remain receptive to new trends, new ideas, even if we rebel at first and we must never stop growing and learning. That Swallowtail is beautiful nestled among the Coneflowers. I am glad your butterflies have returned – you said you had not seen many earlier in the Summer.
Yes, Linda, learning every single day is important. Too many people merely learn within (and from) the parameters that they were taught in the past. Real learning goes far beyond that.
Don’t be too excited about that Swallowtail pic; it is from last year. So many animals and insects are not around in the numbers that they used to flourish in. It’s not my imagination either. Recent news information from scientists is stating that 70% of animal species (worldwide) have vanished since 1970. That is as fast as past major extinction events of the earth.
Well that is disheartening about the Swallowtail Tom. I heard that news story about the various species extinction and wanted to read more about it and could not find a recent article on it. In the radio news story I learned National Wildlife has changed names. I don’t know if rebranding is a good thing or not. The CBS radio news article did not sound too positive for survival for many species down the road – less for those on the West Coast ravaged by the wildfires.
Tom, gorgeous photo – as for consciousness – my take is that every living being is aware – another way of stating that consciousness is everywhere – humans seem to have the most difficulty with consciousness – or at least all but Indigenous peoples who are intimately connected and related to the whole… gosh I can barely read this as I write – colors are too light.
Yes, and there are very different levels of (and forms of) awareness.
I agree that some indigenous people were more connected to the whole, but some were into rather childish and fanciful-concocted beliefs (brainwashed into their minds by others) just like what happens in this so-called modern day and age.
Stay safe and enjoy nature while there still is some.
Oh gosh Tom I do not agree with your Native/Indigenou assessment – I have worked with these folks and know how deeply they relate to the rest of nature – or did – today – well – many have been brainwashed – a both and thing….and yes of course there are different levels of awareness… May you and your wife stay safe – and yes please let’s enjoy the rest of nature while we can… our days are numbered with the Age of the Anthropocene… UGH – so hard for those like us.